View source for Kevin-Prince Boateng

{{Short description|Footballer (born 1987)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Kevin-Prince Boateng
| image = Prince Boateng (cropped).jpg
| caption = Boateng in 2011
| fullname = Kevin-Prince Boateng<ref>{{Hugman|22338|access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|3|6}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/66880/kevin-prince-boateng |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[West Berlin]], West Germany
| height = 1.86 m<ref>{{cite web |title= AC Milan, Boateng's promise Revenge against Juve and Spurs |url= http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/03-03-2011/ac-milan-boateng-s-promiserevenge-against-juve-and-spurs-80354026305.shtml |work= english.gazzetta.it |publisher= [[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |access-date= 8 September 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130928135438/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/03-03-2011/ac-milan-boateng-s-promiserevenge-against-juve-and-spurs-80354026305.shtml |archive-date= 28 September 2013 |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sorpresa en el AC Milan: Kevin Prince Boateng se va al Schalke 04 |url=http://www.superdt.cl/futbol-internacional/sorpresa-en-el-ac-milan-kevin-prince-boateng-se-va-al-schalke-04 |work=superdt.cl |language=es |date=30 August 2013 |access-date=8 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927031506/http://www.superdt.cl/futbol-internacional/sorpresa-en-el-ac-milan-kevin-prince-boateng-se-va-al-schalke-04 |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref>
| position = [[Midfielder]], [[Forward (association football)|forward]]<ref name="Absent Essienn">{{cite web|title=Absent Essien inspires Ghana|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/world-cup/news/1007705/absent-essien-inspires-ghana|work=theworldgame.sbs.com.au|publisher=[[The World Game]]|date=12 June 2010|access-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315132216/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/world-cup/news/1007705/absent-essien-inspires-ghana|archive-date=15 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Schalke extend winning run">{{cite web|title=Schalke extend winning run with 2–0 defeat of Hannover 96|url=http://www.schalke04.de/en/team/season-2013/2014/bundesliga/140209_hannover-96/page/767--87-459-.html|publisher=FC Schalke 04|date=9 February 2014|access-date=15 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315133009/http://www.schalke04.de/en/team/season-2013/2014/bundesliga/140209_hannover-96/page/767--87-459-.html|archive-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="Kevin, the Prince of Milan">{{cite web|title=Kevin, the Prince of Milan|url=http://transfers.afootballreport.com/post/973265943/kevin-the-prince-of-milan|publisher=afootballreport.com|access-date=4 November 2012|date=18 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917101724/http://transfers.afootballreport.com/post/973265943/kevin-the-prince-of-milan|archive-date=17 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| currentclub = 
| clubnumber = 
| youthyears1 = 1994
| youthclubs1 = [[Reinickendorfer Füchse]]
| youthyears2 = 1994–1995
| youthclubs2 = [[Hertha BSC]]
| youthyears3 = 1995–1996
| youthclubs3 = [[Reinickendorfer Füchse]]
| youthyears4 = 1996–2004
| youthclubs4 = [[Hertha BSC]]
| years1 = 2004–2007
| clubs1 = [[Hertha BSC II]]
| caps1 = 59
| goals1 = 11
| years2 = 2005–2007
| clubs2 = [[Hertha BSC]]
| caps2 = 53
| goals2 = 5
| years3 = 2007–2009
| clubs3 = [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
| caps3 = 24
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2009
| clubs4 = → [[Borussia Dortmund]] (loan)
| caps4 = 11
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2009–2010
| clubs5 = [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]
| caps5 = 27
| goals5 = 5
| years6 = 2010–2011
| clubs6 = [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]]
| caps6 = 0
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2010–2011
| clubs7 = → [[A.C. Milan|Milan]] (loan)
| caps7 = 34
| goals7 = 3
| years8 = 2011–2013
| clubs8 = [[A.C. Milan|Milan]]
| caps8 = 66
| goals8 = 14
| years9 = 2013–2015
| clubs9 = [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]]
| caps9 = 60
| goals9 = 7
| years10 = 2016
| clubs10 = [[A.C. Milan|Milan]]
| caps10 = 14
| goals10 = 1
| years11 = 2016–2017
| clubs11 = [[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]]
| caps11 = 29
| goals11 = 10
| years12 = 2017–2018
| clubs12 = [[Eintracht Frankfurt]]
| caps12 = 36
| goals12 = 6
| years13 = 2018–2019
| clubs13 = [[U.S. Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]]
| caps13 = 15
| goals13 = 5
| years14 = 2019
| clubs14 = → [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] (loan)
| caps14 = 4
| goals14 = 0
| years15 = 2019–2020
| clubs15 = [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]
| caps15 = 15
| goals15 = 1
| years16 = 2020
| clubs16 = → [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] (loan)
| caps16 = 11
| goals16 = 3
| years17 = 2020–2021
| clubs17 = [[A.C. Monza|Monza]]
| caps17 = 25
| goals17 = 5
| years18 = 2021–2023
| clubs18 = [[Hertha BSC]]
| caps18 = 38
| goals18 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2005
| nationalteam1 = [[Germany national youth football team|Germany U19]]
| nationalcaps1 = 12
| nationalgoals1 = 7
| nationalyears2 = 2006
| nationalteam2 = [[Germany national youth football team|Germany U20]]
| nationalcaps2 = 2
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2006–2009
| nationalteam3 = [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany U21]]
| nationalcaps3 = 6
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2010–2014
| nationalteam4 = [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]]
| nationalcaps4 = 15
| nationalgoals4 = 2
| pcupdate = 
| totalcaps = 521
| totalgoals = 76
}}
'''Kevin-Prince Boateng''' ({{IPA|de|ˈkɛvɪn ˈpʁɪns boaˈtɛŋ|lang}}; born 6 March 1987) is a former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[midfielder]] or [[Forward (association football)|forward]].<ref name="soccerway">{{Soccerway|1870}}</ref> Born in Germany, he played for the [[Ghana national football team|Ghana national team]].

Coming through the youth system, Boateng began his career at [[Hertha BSC]], before joining [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in England. After a short loan spell with [[Borussia Dortmund]], Boateng moved to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]. In 2010 he joined Serie A side [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]], winning both the league and [[Supercoppa Italiana]] titles in his first season. Boateng left Milan after three seasons, returning to Germany joining [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]]. In January 2016 he returned to Milan, remaining for six months, before moving to Spanish club [[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]]. Boateng made his third return to Germany in 2017, playing for [[Eintracht Frankfurt]], before joining Italian side [[U.S. Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]]. After a short loan to [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], with whom he won a [[La Liga]] title, he moved back to Italy, joining [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]. In January 2020 he was sent on a six-month loan to Turkish side [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]], and in September 2020 he moved to Monza.

Boateng represented his [[Germany|country of birth]] internationally at [[Germany national youth football team|youth level]]; he opted to represent [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] at senior level 15 times between 2010 and 2014—scoring two goals—and represented them at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]s.

==Club career==
=== Reinickendorfer Füchse ===
Boateng started his club career with the club [[Reinickendorfer Füchse]] in early 1994 at age six prior to signing for [[Hertha BSC]] on 1 July 1994, at the age of seven, first playing for them until 31 July 2007, when he was 20 years old.<ref>{{cite news | date= 13 July 2007 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jul/13/newsstory.tottenhamhotspur | title= Tottenham close to landing £5m Boateng from Hertha Berlin | author= Jeremy Wilson| work=theguardian.com | publisher= [[theguardian.com]] | access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>

===Hertha BSC II===
After emerging from the Hertha feeder teams, Boateng played for [[Hertha BSC II]] for two seasons. He was promoted to the Hertha first team squad in the [[2005–06 Bundesliga|2005–06]] season.<ref name="Accolades for young German talent">{{cite news|date=26 July 2006|title=Accolades for young German talent|work=fifa.com|publisher=[[FIFA]]|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=104637.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630040717/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=104637.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 June 2010|access-date=10 December 2011}}</ref>

===Hertha BSC===
Boateng made his first team debut in a 2–0 win against [[Eintracht Frankfurt]] in the second round of the 2005–06 Bundesliga season on 13 August 2005, at the [[Olympic Stadium (Berlin)|Olympic Stadium]], being brought on at the beginning of the second half.<ref name="Hertha BSC 2–0 Eintracht Frankfurt">{{cite news | date=13 August 2005 | url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2005/08/13/germany/bundesliga/hertha-bsc-berlin/eintracht-frankfurt/273747/ | title=2005–2006 Bundesliga 2nd round match report: Hertha BSC 2–0 Eintracht Frankfurt |work=soccerway.com | access-date= 17 June 2013}}</ref>

Boateng was awarded the ''Fritz Walter Bronze Medal Award'' in the Under-18 category in 2005.<ref name="DFB verleiht Fritz-Walter-Medaille"/> Boateng started his first Bundesliga match in a 2–2 draw against [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] in the 14th round of the Bundesliga season.

On 27 July 2006, Boateng was awarded the [[Fritz Walter]] Gold Medal in the Under-19 category.<ref name="DFB verleiht Fritz-Walter-Medaille">{{cite news| date= 16 August 2006| url= https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=511739&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=8258&&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5Barticle_page%5D=1&tx_dfbnews_pi4%5Bcat%5D=10&type=0| title= Fritz-Walter-Medaille wurde vor Länderspiel gegen Schweden verliehen| work= dfb.de| publisher= [[German Football Association]]| access-date= 16 August 2006| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131105233758/http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=511739&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=8258&&tx_dfbnews_pi1%5Barticle_page%5D=1&tx_dfbnews_pi4%5Bcat%5D=10&type=0| archive-date= 5 November 2013| df= dmy-all}}</ref>

===Tottenham Hotspur===
Boateng signed a four-year [[Association football contracts|contract]] with [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in July 2007 for a reported £5.4&nbsp;million, securing him ahead of [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] holders [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]].<ref name="Tottenham sign midfielder Boateng">{{cite news | date=31 July 2007 | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6895929.stm | title= Tottenham sign midfielder Boateng | website=BBC Sport| access-date=30 December 2010}}</ref> His success at the club was limited,<ref>{{cite news | last = Hytner | first = David | date = 16 April 2009 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/16/kevin-prince-boateng-tottenham | title = Boateng price is not right, say Borussia Dortmund | newspaper = [[The Guardian]] | access-date = 9 December 2011}}</ref> and he was [[Loan (sports)|loaned]] to [[Borussia Dortmund]] in January 2009 for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7823309.stm |title=Boateng leaves Spurs for Dortmund |date=11 January 2009 |website=BBC Sport | access-date =30 December 2010}}</ref>

====Borussia Dortmund (loan)====
He made ten Bundesliga appearances during his loan, but was forced to miss the final two matches of the season for a [[Suspension (punishment)|suspension]] of four matches imposed by the [[German Football Association]] (DFB) following a tough challenge and "no-nonsense [[flying kick]]" to the head of [[VfL Wolfsburg]]'s [[Makoto Hasebe]].<ref name="kicker_508646" />

Dortmund were eager to sign Boateng permanently at the end of the season, but financial constraints prevented them from doing so.<ref name="kicker_508646">{{cite news|url=https://www.kicker.de/vier-spiele-sperre-fuer-boateng-508646/artikel|title= Vier Spiele Sperre für Boateng|trans-title=Boateng suspended for four matches | work= [[Kicker (magazine)|Kicker]]| publisher=[[kicker (sports magazine)|kicker]] |date=13 May 2009|access-date=18 May 2010}}</ref><ref name="sueddeutsche.de">{{cite news | url = http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/297/498590/text/13/ | title = Jürgen Klopp "Kevin Boateng ist ein Riesentyp" |trans-title=Jürgen Klopp "Kevin Boateng is a great guy" | language = de | newspaper = [[Süddeutsche Zeitung|sueddeutsche.de]] | date = 17 May 2010 | access-date = 16 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="Tottenham Hotspur FC">{{cite news|url=http://www.hereisthecity.com/2013/08/05/four-years-later-could-klopp-finally-sign-tottenham-flop/|title=Tottenham Hotspur FC|publisher=hereisthecity.com|first=Mathew|last=Nash|date=8 August 2013|access-date=22 August 2013|archive-date=14 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814195242/http://hereisthecity.com/2013/08/05/four-years-later-could-klopp-finally-sign-tottenham-flop/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Portsmouth===
[[File:Kevin Prince Boateng Portsmouth FA Cup 2010.jpg|thumb|right|141px|Boateng playing for [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] in the [[2010 FA Cup Final]]]]

English [[Premier League]] club [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] signed Boateng on a three-year contract in August 2009 for a reported fee of around £4&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/portsmouth-sign-boateng-from-tottenham-1778661.html |title=Portsmouth sign Boateng from Tottenham |date=28 August 2009 |newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=10 December 2011| first=Pa | last=Frank Malley}}</ref><ref name="Portsmouth wrap up four signings">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8226466.stm |title= Portsmouth wrap up four signings |website=BBC Sport |date=28 August 2009 |access-date=28 August 2009}}</ref> On 12 September 2009, he scored his first goal for the club against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8245847.stm |title=Portsmouth 2–3 Bolton |website=BBC Sport | date=12 September 2009 |access-date=13 September 2009 | first=Harry | last=Reekie}}</ref> and was named Portsmouth's joint Player of the Month.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=177809 | title = Boateng September Player Of The Month | access-date = 2 November 2009 | archive-date = 1 December 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041509/http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=177809 | url-status = dead }}</ref> He finished his only season at the club with three goals in 22 Premier League games as they were relegated amidst financial disarray.{{fact|date=January 2025}}

In May 2010, Portsmouth played [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in the [[2010 FA Cup Final|FA Cup Final]], which Chelsea won 1–0. Boateng had his [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]] for Portsmouth saved in the 54th minute, four minutes before [[Didier Drogba]] scored Chelsea's winning goal. During the match, Boateng fouled Chelsea midfielder [[Michael Ballack]], injuring Ballack's ankle and ruling him out of the impending [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]]. Boateng claimed that Ballack slapped him in the face prior to this, and that he apologised to Ballack personally for the tackle which left him injured.<ref name="Michael Ballack hit me first">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/19/kevin-prince-boateng-michael-ballack |title=Michael Ballack hit me first, says Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date= 19 May 2010 |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng sorry">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/18/kevin-prince-boateng-michael-ballack |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng sorry for stupid challenge on Michael Ballack |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date= 18 May 2010 |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bild.de/news/bild-english/news/michael-ballacks-slap-was-worse-than-my-foul-12606402.bild.html |title=Michael Ballack's slap on me was worse than my foul! |newspaper=[[Bild]] |date=10 June 2010 |access-date=17 June 2013 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145908/http://www.bild.de/news/bild-english/news/michael-ballacks-slap-was-worse-than-my-foul-12606402.bild.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Ballack">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8684774.stm |title=Michael Ballack ruled out of World Cup |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2010|access-date=17 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/ballack-feels-the-pain-as-boatengs-father-reveals-players-feud-1975638.html |title=Ballack feels the pain as Boateng's father reveals players' feud |publisher=Independent.co.uk |date= 18 May 2010 |access-date=6 June 2010 | location=London | first=Mark | last=Fleming}}</ref>

Boateng called the German media and the [[Germany national football team|German national team]] players [[hypocrite]]s for backing Ballack while ignoring his slap on the pitch.<ref name="FIFA World Cup 2010: Germany vs. Ghana, Jerome Boateng vs. Kevin-Prince Boateng">{{cite web | url =http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/409109-world-cup-2010-germany-vs-ghana-jerome-vs-kevin-prince-boateng | title = FIFA World Cup 2010: Germany vs. Ghana, Jerome Boateng vs. Kevin-Prince Boateng | work = bleacherreport.com|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] | first = Willie | last = Gannon|date= 21 June 2010 | access-date = 22 September 2013}}</ref> Boateng also criticised [[Joachim Löw]] for protecting Ballack after he slapped striker [[Lukas Podolski]] in a Germany national football team training match the previous year.<ref name="FIFA World Cup 2010: Germany vs. Ghana, Jerome Boateng vs. Kevin-Prince Boateng"/>

===Genoa and AC Milan===
[[File:Kevin-Prince Boateng (A.C. Milan) 2.jpg|left|thumb|320x320px|Boateng playing for [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] in 2012]]
On 17 August 2010, Boateng transferred to Italian [[Serie A]] club [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]] on a three-year contract for €5.75&nbsp;million,<ref>Genoa C.F.C. S.p.A. ''bilancio'' (financial report and accounts) on 31 December 2010 {{in lang|it}}, [http://www.registroimprese.it PDF purchased from Italian C.C.I.A.A.]</ref> (a reported €5.7&nbsp;million plus the transfer of [[Anthony Vanden Borre]], despite the latter deal falling-through<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/10_agosto_10/diego-verso-il-wolfsburg-boateng-si-avvicina-al-milan-colombo_b60e8b40-a453-11df-81a0-00144f02aabe.shtml|title=Diego verso il Wolfsburg Boateng si avvicina al Milan|date=10 August 2010|access-date=1 June 2015|first=Monica|last=Colombo|work=Corriere della Sera|language=it}}</ref>) and then immediately joined [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] on loan.<ref name="Prince Boateng leaves Portsmouth for Italy">{{cite news |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng leaves Portsmouth for Italy |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8925775.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2010 | access-date = 21 May 2014}}</ref> The deal later became a [[co-ownership (football)|co-ownership deal]] in the same transfer window for €5.25&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Relazioni e bilancio al 31 dicembre 2010 |url=http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2010/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_10.pdf |work=acmilan.com |publisher=[[A.C. Milan|Associazione Calcio Milan]] |date=20 April 2011 |access-date=3 February 2012 |language=it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515220657/http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2010/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_10.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2012 }}</ref> Milan signed Boateng permanently from Genoa in June 2011 for €7&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/maggio/25/Boateng_del_Milan_Riscatto_milioni_ga_10_110525107.shtml|title=Boateng è del Milan Riscatto da 7 milioni|date=25 May 2011|access-date=19 June 2014|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it}}</ref> on a four-year contract due to expire in June 2015.<ref name="Milan signs Boateng permanently">{{cite news | date= 28 April 2011 | url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/10996/Sports/Africa/Milan-signs-Boateng-permanently.aspx | title= Milan signs Boateng permanently | work= english.ahram.org.eg | access-date = 23 August 2013}}</ref>

On 23 October 2011, Boateng came on as a half-time [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] against [[US Lecce|Lecce]] and scored three goals in 14 minutes. Milan had been 3–0 down at half-time, but went on to win the game 4–3. Boateng is only the second player in the history of Serie A to score a [[Hat-trick#Association football|hat-trick]] after coming on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bandini|first=Nicky|date=24 October 2011|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng's belief gives Milan kiss of life|work=guardian.co.uk|publisher=Guardian News & Media|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/oct/24/milan-lecce-serie-a|access-date=4 November 2012}}</ref> The hat-trick was the fastest in Serie A since [[David Trezeguet]] scored a ten-minute hat-trick for [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] in 2001.<ref name="Boateng treble sparks Milan turnaround">{{cite news | date=23 October 2011 | url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1531220.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025180120/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1531220.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=25 October 2011| title=Boateng treble sparks Milan turnaround |work= fifa.com|publisher=[[FIFA]] |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="Boateng hat-trick inspires Milan fight back">{{cite news | date=23 October 2011|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/23/sport/football/football-milan-boateng-bayern/ | title= Boateng hat-trick inspires Milan fight back |work= cnn.com|publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date=24 October 2011|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/10/24/2725488/kevin-prince-boateng-marco-van-basten-david-villa-10-of-the-most- | title= Kevin-Prince Boateng, Marco van Basten, David Villa & 10 of the most famous, fast hat-tricks |author=KS Leong|work=Goal.com |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref>

On 3 January 2013, Milan was playing Italian [[Lega Pro Seconda Divisione|Lega Pro 2]] side [[Aurora Pro Patria 1919|Pro Patria]] in a mid-season friendly when Boateng and several other Milan players were the targets of [[Racism in association football|racist chanting]] from a section of the Pro Patria crowd. Boateng reacted by kicking the ball into the stands before leaving the pitch, and was followed off by his teammates. The match was subsequently abandoned.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/9778415/AC-Milans-Kevin-Prince-Boateng-leads-team-off-pitch-in-protest-at-racist-chanting-in-friendly-match-with-Pro-Patria.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103225645/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/9778415/AC-Milans-Kevin-Prince-Boateng-leads-team-off-pitch-in-protest-at-racist-chanting-in-friendly-match-with-Pro-Patria.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |website=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=3 January 2013 |title=AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng leads team off pitch in protest at racist chanting in friendly match with Pro Patria}}</ref> His decision to walk off the pitch was later backed by various players and commentators.<ref>{{cite web|title= Boateng walk-off alone will not end racism – Seedorf |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20904210|website=BBC Sport |date= 4 January 2013 | access-date = 8 July 2013}}</ref>

On 20 February, Boateng scored the opening goal for Milan against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] in the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League]] round of 16 first leg, which Milan went on to win 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|last=Homewood|first=Brian|title=Milan strangle Barcelona to seal shock win|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-champions-milan-idUSBRE91J1A620130220 |work= Reuters |access-date=24 February 2013 | date = 20 February 2013}}</ref> In August 2013, he was quoted as saying he had changed his style since signing for Milan, from playing primarily as a [[defensive midfielder]] to adopting the role of ''[[trequartista]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng: AC Milan ready for PSV in Champions League|url=http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/kevin-prince-boateng-ac-milan-ready-for-psv-in-champions-league/ |work=ghanasoccernet.com |date= 11 August 2013 | access-date = 6 September 2014}}</ref>

===Schalke 04===
[[File:Boateng Schalke 2015.jpg|thumb|223x223px|Boateng training with [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] in 2015]]

On 30 August 2013, Milan announced that Boateng had been transferred to German Bundesliga club [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] for a €10&nbsp;million transfer fee<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf |title=Relazione e Bilancio |language=it |website=A.C. Milan |date=13 October 2014 |access-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071627/http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/bilancio2013/pdf/Bilancio_Gruppo_Milan_13.pdf |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> on a four-year contract due to expire in June 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/44886|title=A.C. Milan Official Communication|date=30 August 2013|access-date=30 August 2013|publisher=A.C. Milan}}</ref>

Boateng made his debut for Schalke 04 in a 2–0 victory against [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-HIGHLIGHTS-Bundesliga-wrap-Schalke-win-on-Boatengs-debut/tabid/415/articleID/311428/Default.aspx | title = Video Highlights: Bundesliga wrap: Schalke win on Boateng's debut | work = 3news.co.nz | publisher = [[3 News]] | date = 1 September 2013 | access-date = 1 September 2013 | first = Ciaran | last = Fahey | archive-date = 5 November 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131105225158/http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-HIGHLIGHTS-Bundesliga-wrap-Schalke-win-on-Boatengs-debut/tabid/415/articleID/311428/Default.aspx | url-status = dead }}</ref> On 14 September 2013, he scored the winning goal for Schalke 04 in a 1–0 win over [[1. FSV Mainz 05|Mainz 05]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2013/0000269325.php| title = Boateng earns Schalke the spoils| publisher = Bundesliga| date = 14 September 2013| access-date = 15 September 2013| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130917134000/http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2013/0000269325.php| archive-date = 17 September 2013| df = dmy-all}}</ref> On 30 October 2013, Boateng was voted the Schalke 04 player of the month for October 2013 by fans.<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng voted player of the month by Schalke 04 fans">{{cite web | url =http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4389/ghana/2013/10/30/4371931/kevin-prince-boateng-voted-player-of-the-month-by-schalke-04| title = Kevin-Prince Boateng voted player of the month by Schalke 04 fans |website=Goal.com |date=30 October 2013|access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> On 9 November 2013, Boateng scored two goals against [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]]; Schalke 04 won the match 3–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2013/0000277518.php|title=Boateng brace nods Schalke past Bremen|work=bundesliga.com|publisher=[[Bundesliga]]|date=9 November 2013|access-date=10 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111032749/http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2013/0000277518.php|archive-date=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4389/ghana/2013/11/10/4397798/boateng-grabs-double-in-schalke-win| title = Boateng grabs double in Schalke win|website=Goal.com |date=10 November 2013|access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> Boateng scored seven Bundesliga goals [[2013–14 FC Schalke 04 season|over the season]] as Schalke finished in third place.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Football/2014/08/24/Unnecessary-goals-frustrate-Schalke-coach-Keller/| title = 'Unnecessary goals' frustrate Schalke coach Keller|work=thestar.com.my|date=24 August 2014|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>

On 11 May 2015, Boateng, alongside [[Sidney Sam]] and [[Marco Höger]], was suspended indefinitely from the club in the aftermath of a defeat against [[1. FC Köln]] as a result of poor behaviour which claimed to have led to the club's poor domestic performances.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sidney Sam suspended by Schalke|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32690972|access-date=11 May 2015|website=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/150511_breaking/page/1587--86-86-.html | title = Boateng and Sam suspended | website = FC Schalke 04 | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 7 June 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150526004015/http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/150511_breaking/page/1587--86-86-.html | archive-date = 26 May 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

His contract with Schalke was terminated on 8 December 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/151208_boateng/page/1985--86-86-.html | title = Schalke 04 and Boateng agree to terminate contract | website = FC Schalke 04 | date = 8 December 2015 | access-date = 8 December 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151210212359/http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/151208_boateng/page/1985--86-86-.html | archive-date = 10 December 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Return to Milan===
As Schalke 04 terminated his contract in December 2015, Boateng re-joined Milan on 5 January 2016, on a [[Free transfer (association football)|free transfer]] and signed a six-month contract.<ref>{{Cite news|last=sport|first=Guardian|date=5 January 2016|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng rejoins Milan until end of season|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/05/kevin-prince-boateng-rejoins-milan-schalke|access-date=2020-05-26|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Afrofootball – Kevin-Prince Boateng – Ghana|url=http://www.afrofootball.com/player/kevin-prince-boateng/ghana.html|website=www.afrofootball.com|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref> He was training with Milan since his suspension in September 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35232992 | title = Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng rejoins AC Milan |website=BBC Sport | date = 5 January 2016 | access-date = 5 January 2016}}</ref> He made his official return debut on 9 January 2016, playing 36 minutes against [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] in a 1–1 draw and scored his first goal in his first match back at the [[San Siro]] six days later against [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/78526/boateng-perfect-day |title=Boateng: 'A perfect day' |website=Football Italia |date=17 January 2016 |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref>

On 25 May 2016, club owner [[Silvio Berlusconi]] announced Boateng's departure, along with those of [[Alex (footballer, born June 1982)|Alex]], [[Philippe Mexès]] and [[Mario Balotelli]].<ref>{{cite news|title=AC Milan departures|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84943/berlusconi-milan-buyers-want-me|access-date=17 June 2016|work=football-italia.com|date=17 June 2016}}</ref>

===Las Palmas===
On 2 August 2016, Spanish [[La Liga]] club [[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]] announced that they had reached an agreement with Boateng for his signature following his release from Milan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/2921723/kevin-prince-boateng-to-join-las-palmas-on-free-transfer|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng to join Las Palmas on free transfer|website=ESPN FC |date=2 August 2016|access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref> He made his debut on 22 August 2016, in a 4–2 away win against [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] at the [[Mestalla Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghana's Kevin-Prince Boateng scores on Las Palmas debut |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37164409 |website=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=26 October 2016}}</ref> On 24 October Boateng scored a goal against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] which was regarded by some pundits as one of the best goals of La Liga that year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng scores stunning Las Palmas goal |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11827/10630107/kevin-prince-boateng-scores-stunning-las-palmas-goal |website=SKY Sports |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |author=Daniel Sandford |date=24 October 2016 |access-date=30 December 2016}}</ref>

On 16 August 2017, Las Palmas announced that Boateng had cancelled his contract by the club by mutual consent, citing "irreversible personal reasons" for the decision.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghana's Kevin-Prince Boateng ends contract with Las Palmas|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40950433 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>

===Eintracht Frankfurt===
On 18 August 2017, Boateng completed his move to [[Eintracht Frankfurt]] on a three-year deal, where he won the [[DFB-Pokal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/3182590/kevin-prince-boateng-completes-frankfurt-move-after-leaving-las-palmas|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng completes Frankfurt move after leaving Las Palmas|website=ESPN FC |date=18 August 2017|access-date= 18 August 2017}}</ref>

===Sassuolo===
On 5 July 2018, Boateng signed with [[U.S. Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]] on a three-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/it/notizie/calciomercato-sassuolo-boateng-e-ufficiale-arriva-a-titolo/19lxzsxz1zxtx1uztpzf5lmtnh|title=Boateng signed with Sassuolo|website=Goal.com |language=it|access-date=5 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/123958/report-sassuolo-have-boateng-deal|title=Report: Sassuolo have Boateng deal|publisher=Football Italia|date=3 July 2018|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref>

====Barcelona (loan)====
Boateng joined Spanish La Liga club Barcelona on 21 January 2019, on loan until the end of the [[2018–19 FC Barcelona season|2018–19 season]], with the club holding an option to sign him permanently for an €8&nbsp;million transfer fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/980827/agreement-for-the-loan-signing-of-kevin-prince-boateng |title=Agreement for the loan signing of Kevin-Prince Boateng |publisher=FC Barcelona |date=21 January 2019 |access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref> He had joined the Catalan side to serve as a backup for [[Luis Suárez]] after [[Munir El Haddadi]] was sold to Sevilla.<ref name="ESPN2019">{{cite news |last1=Marsden |first1=Sam |title=Kevin Prince Boateng wanted to 'run' to Barcelona after hearing of interest |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37568919/kevin-prince-boateng-ready-run-barcelona-hearing-interest |access-date=22 January 2019 |publisher=ESPN |date=22 January 2019}}</ref> The transfer made him the first Ghanaian ever to represent the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/980831/the-first-ghanaian-in-the-history-of-the-club|title=The first Ghanaian in the history of the club|publisher=FC Barcelona |date=21 January 2019 |access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref> He made his club debut on 23 January, in a 2–0 away defeat to Sevilla in the first leg of the [[2018–19 Copa del Rey|Copa del Rey]] quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en/copa-del-rey/video/sevilla-2-barcelona-0-resting-messi-backfir-1/1093481 |title=Sevilla 2 Barcelona 0: Resting Messi backfires for Copa del Rey holders |publisher=www.beinsports.com |date=23 January 2019 |access-date=6 February 2019 }}</ref>

===Fiorentina===
On 30 July 2019, Boateng signed with [[ACF Fiorentina]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-kevin-prince-boateng-a-la-fiorentina/1045129|title=Transferts : Kevin-Prince Boateng à la Fiorentina|newspaper=[[L'Équipe]]|language=fr|access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 24 August in the opening game of the [[2019–20 Serie A]] season, coming on as a substitute in the second half and scoring a goal in an eventual 4–3 home loss to [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142368 |title=Fiorentina 3 – 4 Napoli |publisher=Football Italia |date=24 August 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/24/european-roundup-real-madrid-juventus-bayern-munich |title=European roundup: Guardiola stuns Madrid with late Valladolid equaliser |work=The Guardian |date=24 August 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 }}</ref>

====Beşiktaş (loan)====
On 31 January 2020, Boateng joined Turkish [[Süper Lig]] club [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] on loan for the remainder of the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bjk.com.tr/tr/haber/78476/kevin-prince-boateng-besiktasta.html |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng Beşiktaş'ta |website=bjk.com.tr|date=31 January 2020 |access-date=31 January 2020 }}</ref>

===Monza===
On 28 September 2020, Boateng moved to newly promoted [[Serie B]] side [[A.C. Monza|Monza]] on a one-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Undicesimo colpo: ecco Kevin-Prince Boateng! – Associazione Calcio Monza S.p.A.|url=https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2013/|access-date=2020-09-28|website=www.monzacalcio.com|language=it|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929064309/https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2013/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He scored his first goal on 24 October 2020, converting a penalty in a 1–2 defeat to [[A.C. ChievoVerona|Chievo]] at home.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Calcio serie B / Il Chievoverona batte il Monza, 1 – 2 all'U-Power Stadium LIVE|url=https://www.ilcittadinomb.it/stories/TuttoMonza/calcio-serie-b-monza-chievoverona-live_1374816_11/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=www.ilcittadinomb.it|date=24 October 2020 |language=it}}</ref> On 15 December 2020, Boateng scored two headed goals in a league game against [[Virtus Entella]], helping Monza win 5–0.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 December 2020|title=Super Monza: pokerissimo alla Virtus Entella|url=https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2204/|access-date=15 December 2020|website=[[A.C. Monza]]|language=it|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215222744/https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2204/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Return to Hertha BSC===
On 23 June 2021, Boateng returned to Hertha BSC.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng kommt nach Hause!|url=https://www.herthabsc.com/de/nachrichten/2021/06/transfer-kevin-prince-boateng-2122|date=23 June 2021|access-date=24 June 2021|publisher=[[Hertha BSC]]|language=de}}</ref> On 11 August 2023, he announced his retirement from playing.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Hertha BSC|url=https://www.herthabsc.com/de/nachrichten/2023/08/karriereende-prince-boateng-2324?limit=8&offset=0&category=&type=&period=all|title=Mach's jut, Prince!|trans-title=Do it, Prince!|date=11 August 2023|access-date=11 August 2023|language=de}}</ref>

==International career==
===Youth===
====Germany====
Boateng holds a [[German passport]], previously playing for the [[Germany national youth football team|Germany national youth team]]. His long-distance goal for the [[Germany national under-19 football team|under-19 team]] in a [[2005 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship]] match against [[Greece national under-19 football team|Greece]] – which Germany won 3–0 – was voted [[Goal of the Month (Germany)|Goal of the Month]] by viewers of a German ''[[Das Erste]]'' TV sports show.<ref name="Accolades for young German talent" />

In 2007, ''[[Berliner Morgenpost]]'' reported that then [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany under-21]] coach [[Dieter Eilts]] would no longer select him and other team players due to a [[curfew]] that had been broken in the team's camp during the June 2007 [[Toulon Tournament]] in France.<ref>{{cite news | date = 9 September 2007 | url = http://www.morgenpost.de/printarchiv/sport/article217984/Boateng-uebt-sich-in-Geduld-Schorch-nur-Ersatz-bei-der-Real-Reserve.html | title = Boateng übt sich in Geduld, Schorch nur Ersatz bei der Real-Reserve | publisher = Berliner Morgenpost | access-date = 14 May 2014 | language = de | archive-date = 14 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514220750/http://www.morgenpost.de/printarchiv/sport/article217984/Boateng-uebt-sich-in-Geduld-Schorch-nur-Ersatz-bei-der-Real-Reserve.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date= 21 September 2007 | url=https://www.welt.de/sport/article1203123/Wollten_eine_Veraenderung_der_Persoenlichkeiten.html | title=Wollten eine Veränderung der Persönlichkeiten | publisher=Welt Online | access-date = 21 September 2007 | language = de}}</ref> In February 2009, Boateng was called up to the Germany U21 team by new coach [[Horst Hrubesch]] for the international match against the [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]] in [[Cork (city)|Cork]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://de.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de78ba8292b-fa894d74e116-1000--hrubesch-holt-boateng-zuruck-in-den-kader/ | title = Hrubesch holt Boateng zurück in den Kader | language = de | publisher = [[UEFA]] | date = 5 February 2009 | access-date = 10 September 2014}}</ref> Hrubesch selected Boateng in the preliminary U21 squad for the [[2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship]] in Sweden in June 2009.<ref>{{cite news | date= 9 June 2010 | url=http://www.spox.com/de/sport/fussball/dfb-team/1006/Artikel/horst-hrubesch-interview-sami-khedira-manuel-neuer-mesut-oezil-wunderkinder-u21.html | title = Hrubesch: "Wir haben selber Wunderkinder" |trans-title=Hrubesch: "We ourselves have prodigies" | work=spox.com | access-date = 14 May 2014 | language = de }}</ref>

In June 2009, Boateng told the German authorities that he was no longer interested in representing Germany.<ref name="Boateng makes Ghana u-turn"/>

===Senior===

====Switch to Ghana====
Boateng received a [[Ghanaian passport]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/15266/kevin-prince-boateng-gets-ghana-passport |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng gets Ghana passport |work=kickoff.com |date=7 May 2010 |access-date=22 September 2014 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141433/http://www.kickoff.com/news/15266/kevin-prince-boateng-gets-ghana-passport |url-status=dead }}</ref> and switched his allegiance to [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] in May 2010;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportbild.bild.de/SPORT/fussball-wm-2010/2010/05/12/kevin-prince-boateng/erhaelt-spielerlaubnis-bruderduell-bei-der-wm-moeglich.html |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng erhält Spielerlaubnis für Ghana |publisher=Sportbild.bild.de |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=6 June 2010 |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515133228/http://sportbild.bild.de/SPORT/fussball-wm-2010/2010/05/12/kevin-prince-boateng/erhaelt-spielerlaubnis-bruderduell-bei-der-wm-moeglich.html |archive-date=15 May 2010 }}</ref><ref name="World Cup 2010: Kevin-Prince Boateng cleared for Ghana">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8677827.stm |title= World Cup 2010: Kevin-Prince Boateng cleared for Ghana|website=BBC Sport |date= 12 May 2010 |access-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> he has said that he feels more Ghanaian.<ref name="I Feel More Ghanaian">{{cite web |url=http://sports.peacefmonline.com/pages/news/201403/194153.php |title='I Feel More Ghanaian' – Kevin-Prince Boateng Admits |work=sports.peacefmonline.com |date=26 March 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705090817/http://sports.peacefmonline.com/pages/news/201403/194153.php |archive-date=5 July 2014 }}</ref> He began his senior international football career by attending training with the national side, "[[The Black Stars]]," that same month at the [[Accra Sports Stadium]] in [[Greater Accra Region|Greater Accra]] prior the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]].<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng Trains On Ghanaian Soil For The First Time">{{cite web | date = 31 May 2010 | url = http://sports.peacefmonline.com/soccer/201105/45851.php | title = Kevin-Prince Boateng Trains On Ghanaian Soil For The First Time | work = peacefmonline.com | access-date = 14 May 2014 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131104185734/http://sports.peacefmonline.com/soccer/201105/45851.php | archive-date = 4 November 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Boateng made his debut in a 1–0 victory over [[Latvia national football team|Latvia]] in June 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=183549 |title=Boateng impresses Milovan on debut |publisher=Ghanaweb.com |date = 6 June 2010 | access-date = 14 May 2014}}</ref>

====2006 World Cup====
In 2006, the [[Ghana Football Association]] had been in contact with Boateng on him representing Ghana ahead of the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]].<ref name="Boateng makes Ghana u-turn"/> But the process under which [[FIFA]] had to decide on his eligibility would be long, as Boateng was past the age under the old FIFA rules where old youth internationals could switch allegiance. FIFA's decision to reverse the rules in 2009 had given Boateng the green light to switch his allegiance, and time appeared to be running out when his clearance to represent the ''Black Stars'' had still not arrived at the beginning of May 2010.<ref name="Boateng makes Ghana u-turn">{{cite web |url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/9332/boateng-makes-ghana-u-turn |title=Boateng makes Ghana u-turn |work=kickoff.com |date=24 June 2009 |access-date=16 September 2014 |archive-date=23 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123171235/http://www.kickoff.com/news/9332/boateng-makes-ghana-u-turn |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====2010 World Cup====
[[File:Kevin-Prince Boateng and Álvaro Fernández – Ghana vs. Uruguay 2010 FIFA World Cup.jpg|thumb|right|Boateng (right) playing for [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]]|183x183px]]

{{See also|Ghana at the FIFA World Cup#2010 FIFA World Cup|l1=Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

Boateng was selected as part of the [[2010 FIFA World Cup squads#Ghana|Ghana squad]] for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by head coach [[Milovan Rajevac]],<ref name="FIFA World Cup 2010: Germany vs. Ghana, Jerome Boateng vs. Kevin-Prince Boateng"/> to fill in for the injured [[Michael Essien]] alongside [[defensive midfielder]] [[Anthony Annan]].<ref name="Absent Essienn" /> On 23 June, he was selected to start in Ghana's game against Germany, whose team included his brother [[Jérôme Boateng]]. Ghana held Germany to a 60th-minute lone goal and 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/23/1990598/world-cup-player-ratings-ghana-0-1-germany|title=Goal.com assesses the individuals who featured in Germany's narrow win over Ghana... |website=Goal.com |last=Whitney|first=Clark|date=23 June 2010 |access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> It was the first time that two brothers played on opposite teams at the World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/World-Cup-2010-Brothers-Jerome-and-Kevin-Prince-Boateng-put-feud-aside-to-make-World-Cup-history-with-Germany-and-Ghana-article486275.html|title=Boateng brothers put feud aside to make World Cup history|first=David|last=McDonnell|newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=22 June 2010|access-date=22 June 2010}}</ref> Boateng picked up the ball from the half-way line, [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbled]] it "rapidly bamboozling" his opponents before scoring with a left-footed shot from outside the [[penalty area]] in the fourth minute of a 2–1 win over the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] in the round-of-16 in [[Rustenburg]]'s [[Royal Bafokeng Stadium|Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace]] on 26 June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_50/default.stm|title=USA 1–2 Ghana (aet)|date= 26 June 2010|first=Paul|last=Fletcher|website=BBC Sport |access-date=28 June 2010}}</ref>

====Retirement====
In November 2011, Boateng announced his international retirement, citing fatigue from travel at the age of 24 years, thus missing the chance to contest the [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations]].<ref name="KPB retires from The Black Stars">{{cite news|last=Sannie|first=Ibrahim|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng retires from The Black Stars|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15592408.stm|access-date=4 November 2011|website=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2011}}</ref> In September 2012, [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]'s Ghanaian striker and close friend [[André Ayew]] revealed that Boateng was considering reversing his decision to retire, but he did not play in the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] either.<ref name="Boateng will be in the Black Stars soon, says Andre Ayew">{{cite news|author=Mohamad Mosselhi|title=Boateng will be in the Black Stars soon, says Andre Ayew|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/52466/Sports/Africa/Boateng-will-be-in-the-Black-Stars-soon,-says-Andr.aspx |access-date=10 September 2011|newspaper=[[Al-Ahram]]|date=10 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kelvin-Prince Boateng will return to Black Stars soon">{{cite news|author =Edmund Okai Gyimah|title=Kelvin-Prince Boateng will return to Black Stars soon – Olympique Marseille's Andre Ayew|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4389/ghana/2012/09/10/3366004/kelvin-prince-boateng-will-return-to-black-stars-soon |access-date=10 September 2012|website=Goal.com |date=10 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kwesi Nyantakyi: AC Milan's Kelvin-Prince Boateng still in our plans">{{cite news|author =Kent Mensah|title=Kwesi Nyantakyi: AC Milan's Kelvin-Prince Boateng still in our plans|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4389/ghana/2012/07/17/3246934/kwesi-nyantakyi-ac-milans-kelvin-prince-boateng-still-in-our |access-date=10 September 2012|website=Goal.com |date=17 July 2012}}</ref>

====2014 World Cup====
On 1 October 2013, Boateng was selected for Ghana's [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF third round|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs]] against [[Egypt national football team|Egypt]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201310/8816.php| title = Kingson and Muntari return for Ghana against Egypt| work = ghanafa.org| publisher = [[Ghana Football Association]]| date = 1 October 2013| access-date = 2 October 2013| archive-date = 4 March 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192441/http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201310/8816.php| url-status = dead}}</ref> On 19 November 2013, he came on as a 79th-minute substitute in the second leg and scored Ghana's only goal in the 89th minute as the Black Stars secured qualification for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]] in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201311/8991.php | title = Black Stars qualify for third-straight World Cup | work = ghanafa.org | publisher = [[Ghana Football Association]] | date = 19 November 2013 | access-date = 19 November 2013 | archive-date = 8 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115230/http://ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201311/8991.php | url-status = dead }}</ref>

On 2 June 2014, Boateng was named in Ghana's squad for the World Cup finals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/ghana/10810459/Ghana-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/ghana/10810459/Ghana-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Ghana World Cup 2014 squad|date=2 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the team's opening match, he came on as a second-half substitute against the [[United States national men's soccer team|United States]] in a 2–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285120|title=Ghana 1–2 USA|date=17 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2014|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He was then selected to start against Germany in a 2–2 draw, playing against his brother again.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285228|title=Germany vs Ghana|date=22 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2014|website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186493/report.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140624030615/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186493/report.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 24 June 2014| title = Germany – Ghana | date = 21 June 2014 | publisher = FIFA | access-date = 24 June 2014}}</ref>

On 26 June, Boateng was sent home and suspended from the Ghana squad for disciplinary reasons, only hours before the final group match against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]], after he was alleged to have verbally abused former manager [[James Kwesi Appiah]] during a team meeting.<ref name="2_Kevin-Prince Boateng">{{cite news|title=I didn't insult Kwasi Appiah – Kevin Prince Boateng narrates what happened|url=http://www.zionfelix.com/didnt-insult-kwasi-appiah-kevin-prince-boateng-narrates-happened/|work=zionfelix.com|date=26 June 2014|access-date=10 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910215820/http://www.zionfelix.com/didnt-insult-kwasi-appiah-kevin-prince-boateng-narrates-happened/|archive-date=10 September 2014}}</ref> Boateng was sent home along with midfielder [[Sulley Muntari]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hills|first1=David|title=Ghana in chaos as Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng suspended|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/26/ghana-chaos-sulley-muntari-kevin-prince-boateng-suspended|access-date=26 June 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=26 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9362144/world-cup-ghana-duo-sulley-muntari-and-kevin-prince-boateng-kicked-out-of-squad |title=World Cup: Ghana duo Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng kicked out of squad |date=26 June 2014 |publisher= [[Sky Sports News]] |access-date=26 June 2014}}</ref> On 29 June, Boateng had hit back at the Ghana Football Association, describing the ''Black Stars''' organisation during the tournament as "amateurish".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/29/kevin-prince-boateng-ghana-world-cup-disaster|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng slams Ghana's World Cup preparations as 'amateurish' |date=29 June 2014|access-date=1 July 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Boateng is a quick, dynamic, physically strong and well-rounded [[midfielder]], known for his aggression, eye for goal, long-range shooting ability, flair, footspeed, ball-juggling tricks, and [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] skills.<ref name="Accolades for young German talent"/><ref name="2010 FIFA World Cup profile">{{cite web|title=23 Kevin Prince BOATENG – 2010 FIFA World Cup profile|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=196897/profile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924051441/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=196897/profile.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2012|access-date=6 December 2011|publisher=[[FIFA]]}}</ref><ref name="fifa">{{cite news|title=Kevin Prince BOATENG|publisher=FIFA|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=196897/profile-detail.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608002751/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=196897/profile-detail.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2014|access-date=5 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng_24">{{cite web | date= 30 August 2013 | url= https://www.derwesten.de/sport/fussball/s04/schalke-tritt-mit-boateng-die-flucht-nach-vorn-an-cmt-id8380491.html | title= Schalke tritt mit Boateng die Flucht nach vorn an | trans-title= Schalke takes the bull by the horns with Boateng at | author= Michael Cox | work= derwesten.de | publisher= [[Funke Mediengruppe]] | access-date= 18 September 2014 | language= de | archive-date= 26 September 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150926001347/http://www.derwesten.de/sport/fussball/s04/schalke-tritt-mit-boateng-die-flucht-nach-vorn-an-cmt-id8380491.html | url-status= dead }}</ref> A versatile and tenacious player,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/liga/2018-2019/football-news-kevin-prince-boateng-set-for-shock-barcelona-move_sto7106549/story.shtml |title=Football news – Barcelona sign Kevin-Prince Boateng on loan |publisher=Eurosport |date=21 January 2019 |access-date=21 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Bigmatch/25-04-2012/troppi-lanci-poco-show-poi-grinta-boateng--911044608473.shtml |title=Troppi lanci, poco show Poi la grinta di Boateng |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Andrea Schianchi |date=25 April 2012 |access-date=21 January 2019 }}</ref> his game has a particular dependence on "sheer strength, power and energy." He can produce the [[work rate]], ball retrieval and attacking willingness of the [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box midfielder]]. He combines technical skill with speed of action which makes him more dangerous.<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng_25">{{cite web | date= 16 February 2012 | url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7581647/kevin-prince-boateng-key-milan-midfield-michael-cox | title=Boateng bridges Milan's midfield: The Ghanaian's multifaceted play for Milan has been instrumental in Allegri's midfield | author = Michael Cox |publisher=ESPN | access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> A 2014 profile on FIFA's official website described Boateng as being "blessed with strength, speed, killer instinct in front of goal, and an uncommon flamboyance in the attacking third."<ref name=fifa/>

Boateng has been used in many midfield positions throughout his career, but usually plays either in the [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|centre]] in a box-to-box role,<ref name="Kevin, the Prince of Milan"/> or as an [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]] or [[Forward (association football)|forward]];<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng9">{{cite web|url=http://www.whoscored.com/Players/11867|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng|work=whoscored.com}}</ref> he has also been deployed as a [[Midfielder#False attacking midfielder|false-attacking midfielder]], as a [[Forward (association football)#Second striker|second striker]], or even as a [[Midfielder#Winger|winger]] on occasion during his time with Milan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Europei/2012/22-06-2012/progetto-italia-prandelli-ha-scelto-linea-difesa-4-balotelli-avanti-911608189223.shtml|title=Prandelli ha scelto la linea Difesa a 4 e Balotelli in avanti|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Luigi Garlando|date=22 June 2012|access-date=16 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/03-12-2015/milan-kevin-prince-boateng-ha-convinto-gennaio-tesserato-contratto-1301161928453.shtml |title=Milan, Kevin Prince Boateng ha convinto: a gennaio verrà tesserato |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |author1=Alessandra Gozzini |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=21 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-boateng-esterno-allontana-cerci-534646 |title=Milan, Boateng esterno allontana Cerci |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |language=it |date=1 January 2016 |access-date=21 January 2019 }}</ref> With Las Palmas and Sassuolo, he was also deployed in a more advanced, [[Forward (association football)#Centre-forward|central attacking role]], essentially positioned as a lone [[Striker (association football)|striker]], but effectively functioning as a [[Forward (association football)#False 9|false-9]], due to his ability to drop deep, link-up with midfielders, and create space for his other attacking teammates with his movement off the ball.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37504420/journeyman-kevin-prince-boateng-unlikely-prince-sassuolos-developing-fairy-tale |title=Journeyman Boateng the unlikely 'Prince' in Sassuolo's Serie A fairy tale |publisher=ESPN |author1=James Horncastle |date=22 November 2018 |access-date=20 January 2019 }}</ref> In addition to his playing ability, Boateng is known for his acrobatic goal celebrations, and often [[goal celebration|celebrates scoring goals]] with a [[Flip (acrobatic)|backflip]].<ref name="5 Reason why Boateng is Prince of Milan">{{cite news | url=http://www.swide.com/luxury-magazine/Faces/Celebrities/boateng-prince-of-milan-barcelona-goal-football/2011/11/25 | title=5 Reason why Boateng is Prince of Milan | work=swide.com | publisher=[[Dolce & Gabbana]] | date=25 November 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011 | archive-date=28 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128034418/http://www.swide.com/luxury-magazine/Faces/Celebrities/boateng-prince-of-milan-barcelona-goal-football/2011/11/25 | url-status=dead }}</ref> His former Hertha BSC teammate [[Niko Kovač]] has also praised Boateng for his leadership, stating: "Kevin gives the team a sense of stability, both mentally and physically," also describing him as a "warrior."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dfb.de/en/news/detail/the-prince-of-frankfurt-186980/full/1/?no_cache=1&cHash=2566dfc30736434022297c2077a54809 |title=The Prince of Frankfurt |publisher=DFB |access-date=21 January 2019 }}</ref>

== Outside football ==

===Personal life===
[[File:Kevin Prince Boateng.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Boateng pictured in 2013]]

Boateng was born in [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/kevin-prince-boateng/ |title=Kevin-Prince Boateng: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> His mother, Christine Rahn,<ref name=GhanaCeleb>{{cite web | url = http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2010/09/15/photos-kevin-price-boateng-rocks-with-family/ | title = PHOTOS- Kevin-Prince Boateng Rocks With Family | website = Ghana Celebrities | date = 15 September 2010 | access-date = 10 April 2016 | archive-date = 1 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200201232520/https://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2010/09/15/photos-kevin-price-boateng-rocks-with-family/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> is German and his father is from Ghana.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/ballack-feels-the-pain-as-boatengs-father-reveals-players-feud-1975638.html | title = Ballack feels the pain as Boateng's father reveals players' feud | website = The Independent | date = 17 May 2010 | access-date = 10 April 2016 | first = Mark | last = Fleming}}</ref> He is the older, paternal half-brother of fellow professional footballer [[Jérôme Boateng]]. He is divorced from his first wife Jenny.<ref name=GhanaCeleb /> He became engaged to Italian model [[Melissa Satta]] in 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cinquantamila.it/storyTellerArticolo.php?storyId=0000001539109 |title=Kevin Prince Boateng, centrocampista del Milan, si è fidanzato ufficialmente con Melissa Satta. I due sono inseparabili |publisher=www.cinquantamila.it |language=it |author1=Gabriele Parpiglia |date=7 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2019 }}</ref> and the pair have a child, Maddox Prince, born 15 April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ghanasoccernet.com/melissa-satta-returns-fiance-kevin-prince-boateng-dusseldorf-summer-holidays/|title= Melissa Satta returns to fiance Kevin-Prince Boateng to boost his flagging confidence|publisher= Ghana Soccernet|date= 26 August 2014|access-date=20 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://allsports.com.gh/football/teams/black-stars/happy-family-first-a-daughter-then-the-wedding-melissa-kevin-id2990439.html|title= "First a daughter, then the wedding" – Melissa & Kevin|publisher= allsports.com.gh |date=17 July 2014|access-date=20 February 2015}}</ref> The couple were wed on 25 June 2016, in [[Porto Cervo]], Sardinia.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.it/people/italia/16/06/25/matrimonio-melissa-satta-foto-kevin-boateng-nozze-sposi-porto-cervo-gossip |title=Le nozze di Melissa Satta e Kevin Prince Boateng |magazine=Vanity Fair |author1=Stefania Saltalamacchia |language=it |date=25 June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2019 }}</ref> Their marriage ended in December 2020 after a separation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kevin-Prince Boateng's second marriage ends in divorce|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/kevin-prince-boateng-s-second-marriage-ends-in-divorce.html|access-date=2020-12-21|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> Boateng says he speaks Turkish, German, English and Italian, and understands French and Arabic.<ref name="Opinion and analysis">{{cite web|last=Amoia|first=Steve|date=5 May 2012|title=Opinion and analysis: The Ghetto Kid Confesses|url=http://www.beyondthepitch.net/articles/post/index.cfm/2012/05/05/the-ghetto-kid-confesses/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019184012/http://www.beyondthepitch.net/articles/post/index.cfm/2012/05/05/the-ghetto-kid-confesses/|archive-date=19 October 2013|access-date=19 September 2014|work=beyondthepitch.net}}</ref> Boateng is the nephew of Yaw Boateng Gyan who is the former National Organizer of the [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|NDC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2022 |title=Mahama's son, Asiedu Nketia's nephew: Four Ghanaian footballers who are related to politicians |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Mahama-s-son-Asiedu-Nketia-s-nephew-Four-Ghanaian-footballers-who-are-related-to-politicians-1545800 |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813180720/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Mahama-s-son-Asiedu-Nketia-s-nephew-Four-Ghanaian-footballers-who-are-related-to-politicians-1545800 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Tattoos===
Boateng has a tattoo of the map of Ghana and the country's name on his arm.<ref name="I Feel More Ghanaian"/><ref name="The coolest celeb tattoo scriptures on their skin">{{cite web | date= 18 June 2010 |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/the-coolest-celeb-tattoo-scriptures-on-their-skin/85584| title = The coolest celeb tattoo scriptures on their skin | author =Aditi Sharma | work=mid-day.com | access-date= 22 September 2014}}</ref> Across his ribs, he has the Chinese words for [[clan]], health, love, success and trust,<ref>{{cite web | date= 27 June 2014 |url=http://shanghaiist.com/2014/06/27/football-players-tattoos.php| title = LOOK: The meaning behind World Cup footballers' Chinese tattoos | author =Jennifer Hui | work=shanghaiist.com | access-date= 22 September 2014}}</ref> and he has other tattoos on his upper body.<ref>{{cite web | date =22 June 2014 | url =http://infoboxx.com/index.php/component/k2/item/1368-why-ghanaian-footballer-boateng-is-an-ideal-crush-for-rihanna | title =Why Ghanaian Footballer Boateng Is An Ideal Crush For Rihanna | author =Paul Adepoju | work =infoboxx.com | access-date =20 September 2014 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041813/http://infoboxx.com/index.php/component/k2/item/1368-why-ghanaian-footballer-boateng-is-an-ideal-crush-for-rihanna | archive-date =24 September 2014 | df =dmy-all }}</ref>

=== Anti-racism ===
In February 2013, Boateng was appointed as the first global ambassador for the [[FIFA]] anti-discrimination taskforce, to work alongside FIFA Vice-president [[Jeffrey Webb (football executive)|Jeffrey Webb]] at FIFA headquarters.<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng given Fifa anti-discrimination role">{{cite news | date= 22 March 2013 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21899989| title =Kevin-Prince Boateng given Fifa anti-discrimination role |website=BBC Sport | access-date= 25 March 2013}}</ref> In March, Boateng presented FIFA President [[Sepp Blatter]] with his first phase of solutions to ending global racism in football, as requested by Blatter.<ref name="Boateng invited to join Anti-Discrimination Taskforce">{{cite news | date= 22 March 2013 |url=https://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/president/news/newsid=2040422/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226203533/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/president/news/newsid=2040422/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 February 2014| title = Boateng invited to join Anti-Discrimination Taskforce | work= fifa.com|publisher= [[FIFA]] | access-date= 25 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="Boateng makes powerful anti-racism speech at the UN">{{cite news | date= 22 March 2013 | url= http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/boateng-makes-powerful-anti-racism-speech-un | title= Boateng makes powerful anti-racism speech at the UN | work= voice-online.co.uk | access-date= 25 March 2013 | archive-date= 28 April 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130428080328/http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/boateng-makes-powerful-anti-racism-speech-un | url-status= dead }}</ref> In March 2013, Boateng was named as the United Nations (UN) ambassador for anti-racism. He delivered his first speech in that role accompanied by [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|UN human rights]] chief [[Navi Pillay]] at the [[United Nations Office at Geneva]].<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng: Rede bei UN">{{cite news | date= 21 March 2013 |url=http://www.tz-online.de/sport/fussball/kevin-prince-boateng-rede-zr-2813326.html| title = Kevin-Prince Boateng: Rede bei UN|trans-title=Kevin-Prince Boateng: Speech at UN | work= tz-online.de | access-date= 25 March 2013| language =de}}</ref>

===Music===
Boateng is a keen singer and dancer,<ref name="Boateng's journey from Berlin to Milan">{{cite web | date= 26 March 2012 | url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01fb-0ea43df75515-c670eaca781e-1000--boateng-s-journey-from-berlin-to-milan/ | title = Boateng's journey from Berlin to Milan | work= [[UEFA]] | access-date = 19 September 2014}}</ref> and has said that his singing and dancing idol is [[Michael Jackson]].<ref name="Boateng's journey from Berlin to Milan"/> He enjoys [[Choreography (dance)|choreography]],<ref name="Kevin Prince Boateng Shows His Other Side, A Good Dancer">{{cite web | date= 16 May 2011 | url= http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2011/05/16/video-kevin-prince-boateng-shows-his-other-side-a-good-dancer-by-doing-michael-jacksons-moon-walk-dance/ | title= Video: Kevin Prince Boateng Shows His Other Side, A Good Dancer By Doing Michael Jackson's Moon Walk Dance... | work= ghanacelebrities.com | access-date= 19 September 2014 | archive-date= 2 February 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200202013434/https://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2011/05/16/video-kevin-prince-boateng-shows-his-other-side-a-good-dancer-by-doing-michael-jacksons-moon-walk-dance/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> and singing.<ref name="Video: Kevin Prince-Boateng shocks world with his music talent"/> As such, Boateng performed a dance routine involving Michael Jackson's trademarked ''[[Moonwalk (dance)|Moonwalk]]'' for a packed-out [[San Siro]] of 88,000 spectators upon Milan celebrating their 18th ''Scudetto'',<ref name="Kevin Prince Boateng Shows His Other Side, A Good Dancer"/><ref name="When Prince became King">{{cite web | date= 16 May 2011 | url= http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2011/05/16/video-kevin-prince-boateng-shows-his-other-side-a-good-dancer-by-doing-michael-jacksons-moon-walk-dance/ | title= When Prince became King! Boateng performs spectacular rendition of Michael Jackson's moonwalk for packed-out San Siro | access-date= 19 September 2014 | archive-date= 2 February 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200202013434/https://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2011/05/16/video-kevin-prince-boateng-shows-his-other-side-a-good-dancer-by-doing-michael-jacksons-moon-walk-dance/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> and sang an [[a cappella]] live on [[beIN Sports]] television to celebrate their eighth birthday.<ref name="Video: Kevin Prince-Boateng shocks world with his music talent">{{cite web | date= 28 October 2011 |url=http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/video-kevin-prince-boateng-shocks-world-with-his-music-talent/ | title = Video: Kevin Prince-Boateng shocks world with his music talent | work= ghanacelebrities.com | access-date = 19 September 2014}}</ref>

In August 2018, he released a rap song under the alias ''PRIN$$ Boateng'' named ''King'' on the World Star Hip Hop channel.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/hCzdUNTKapY Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180816200958/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCzdUNTKapY&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCzdUNTKapY| title = PRIN$$ Boateng "King" (WSHH Heatseekers – Official Music Video) | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Boateng released his second single, ''Bella Vita'', in July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 July 2019|title=Kevin Prince Boateng, video "Bella Vita"/ Il calciatore-rapper lancia nuovo singolo|url=https://www.ilsussidiario.net/news/kevin-prince-boateng-video-bella-vita-il-calciatore-rapper-lancia-nuovo-singolo/1902229/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=IlSussidiario.net|language=it}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[DFB-Pokal]], [[FA Cup]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[Copa del Rey]], [[Turkish Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Football League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Hertha BSC II]]
|[[2004–05 Regionalliga#Regionalliga Nord|2004–05]]
|[[Regionalliga Nord]]
|18||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||3
|-
|[[2005–06 Regionalliga#Regionalliga Nord|2005–06]]
|Regionalliga Nord
|4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||1
|-
|[[2006–07 Regionalliga#North|2006–07]]
|Regionalliga Nord
|7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!29||5||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||29||5
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Hertha BSC]]
|[[2005–06 Bundesliga|2005–06]]
|[[Bundesliga]]
|21||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||27||2
|-
|[[2006–07 Hertha BSC season|2006–07]]
|Bundesliga
|21||2||3||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=UC}}||1||colspan="2"|—||26||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!42||4||5||0||0!!0||6||1||0!!0||53||5
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
|[[2007–08 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2007–08]]
|[[Premier League]]
|13||0||5||0||0||0||3{{efn|name=UC}}||0||colspan="2"|—||21||0
|-
|[[2008–09 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2008–09]]
|Premier League
|1||0||2||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0
|-
|[[2009–10 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Premier League
|0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!14||0||7||0||1||0||3||0||0!!0||25||0
|-
|[[Borussia Dortmund]] (loan)
|[[2008–09 Borussia Dortmund season|2008–09]]
|Bundesliga
|10||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||0
|-
|[[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]
|[[2009–10 Portsmouth F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Premier League
|22||3||5||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||27||5
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[AC Milan|Milan]]
|[[2010–11 AC Milan season|2010–11]]
|Serie A
|26||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||34||3
|-
|[[2011–12 AC Milan season|2011–12]]
|Serie A
|19||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Supercoppa Italiana]]}}||1||27||9
|-
|[[2012–13 AC Milan season|2012–13]]
|Serie A
|29||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||37||3
|-
|[[2013–14 AC Milan season|2013–14]]
|Serie A
|0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||colspan="2"|—||2||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!74||10||2||0||0!!0||23||6||1||1||100||17
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]]
|[[2013–14 FC Schalke 04 season|2013–14]]
|Bundesliga
|28||6||1||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||35||7
|-
|[[2014–15 FC Schalke 04 season|2014–15]]
|Bundesliga
|18||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||25||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!46||6||2||0||0||0||12||1||0||0||60||7
|-
|Milan
|[[2015–16 AC Milan season|2015–16]]
|Serie A
|11||1||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||1
|-
|[[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]]
|[[2016–17 UD Las Palmas season|2016–17]]
|[[La Liga]]
|28||10||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||29||10
|-
|[[Eintracht Frankfurt]]
|[[2017–18 Eintracht Frankfurt season|2017–18]]
|Bundesliga
|31||6||5||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||36||6
|-
|[[US Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]]
|[[2018–19 US Sassuolo Calcio season|2018–19]]
|Serie A
|13||4||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||5
|-
|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] (loan)
|[[2018–19 FC Barcelona season|2018–19]]
|La Liga
|3||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||0||0||4||0
|-
|[[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]
|[[2019–20 ACF Fiorentina season|2019–20]]
|Serie A
|14||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||1
|-
|[[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] (loan)
|[[2019–20 Beşiktaş J.K. season|2019–20]]
|[[Süper Lig]]
|11||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||3
|-
|[[AC Monza|Monza]]
|[[2020–21 AC Monza season|2020–21]]
|[[Serie B]]
|24||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Serie B]] promotion play-offs}}||0||25||5
|-
|rowspan="3"|Hertha BSC
|[[2021–22 Hertha BSC season|2021–22]]
|Bundesliga
|18||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Promotion to the Bundesliga|Bundesliga relegation play-offs]]}}||0||21||0
|-
|[[2022–23 Hertha BSC season|2022–23]]
|Bundesliga
|16||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!34||0||3||0||0||0||0||0||1||0||38||0
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!406||58||38||3||1||0||44||8||3||1||492||70
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|id=38172|name=Boateng, Kevin-Prince|accessdate=21 January 2016}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[Ghana national football team|Ghana]]
|2010||8||1
|-
|2011||1||0
|-
|2012
|0
|0
|-
|2013||1||1
|-
|2014||5||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total||15||2
|}

:''Ghana score listed first, score column indicates score after each Boateng goal.''<ref name="usa-gha_line-ups">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/26/02/84/50_0626_usa-gha_tacticalstartlist.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111074937/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/26/02/84/50_0626_usa-gha_tacticalstartlist.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 November 2012|title=Tactical Line-up – Last 16 – United States-Ghana |date=26 June 2010 |work=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |access-date=26 June 2010 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Kevin-Prince Boateng
|-
!scope=col|No.
!scope=col|Date
!scope=col|Venue
!scope=col|Opponent
!scope=col|Score
!scope=col|Result
!scope=col|Competition
|-
|align=center|1||26 June 2010||[[Royal Bafokeng Stadium]], Rustenburg, South Africa||{{fb|USA}}||align=center|1–0||align=center|2–1||[[2010 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|align=center|2||19 November 2013||[[30 June Stadium]], Cairo, Egypt||{{fb|EGY}}||align=center|1–2||align=center|1–2||[[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|}

==Honours==

'''Portsmouth '''
*[[FA cup]] runner-up: 2010

'''AC Milan'''
*[[Serie A]]: [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/05/08/2461037/meet-the-champions-ac-milans-serie-a-title-winners |title=Meet the champions: AC Milan's Serie A title winners |first=Kris |last=Voakes |website=Goal.com |publisher=Perform Group |date=8 May 2011 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[2011 Supercoppa Italiana|2011]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2011/08/06/italy/super-cup/ac-milan/fc-internazionale-milano/1113372/ |title=Milan vs. Internazionale 2–1: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>
*[[Coppa Italia]] runner-up: [[2015–16 Coppa Italia|2015–16]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2016/05/21/italy/coppa-italia/ac-milan/juventus-fc/2214614/ |title=Milan vs. Juventus 0–1: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

'''Eintracht Frankfurt'''
*[[DFB-Pokal]]: [[2017–18 DFB-Pokal|2017–18]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/bayern-gegen-frankfurt-2018-dfb-pokal-4207407/aufstellung |title=DFB-Pokal 2017/18, Finale in Berlin: Bayern München 1:3 Eintracht Frankfurt: Takt. aufstellung |trans-title=DFB-Pokal 2017/18, Final in Berlin: Bayern Munich 1:3 Eintracht Frankfurt: Tactical lineup |website=kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=21 November 2020 |language=de}}</ref>

'''Barcelona'''
*[[La Liga]]: [[2018–19 La Liga|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2018-191.html?t=lista |title=Barcelona 2018–19: Statistics |website=BDFutbol |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Fritz Walter Medal]] U18 bronze: [[Fritz-Walter-Medal#2005|2005]]<ref name="Accolades for young German talent" />
*Fritz Walter Medal U19 gold: [[Fritz-Walter-Medal#2006|2006]]<ref name="Accolades for young German talent" />
*[[Goal of the Month (Germany)|Das Erste Goal of the Month]]: [[:de:Liste der Tore des Monats|2005]]<ref name="Accolades for young German talent" />
*[[Serie A Team of the Year]]: 2010–11<ref name="Kevin-Prince Boateng Oscar del Calcio">{{cite web | url =http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2012/01/24/2863505/ac-milan-dominate-2011-oscar-del-calcio-awards| title = AC Milan dominate 2011 Oscar del Calcio awards | website = Goal.com | access-date = 24 January 2012 | date = 24 January 2012}}</ref>
*[[CAF Team of the Year]]: [[CAF Team of the Year#2010|2010]], [[CAF Team of the Year#2011|2011]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|wikt=no |commonscat=Kevin-Prince Boateng |b=no |n=no |q=Kevin-Prince Boateng |s=no |v=no |species=no }}
*[https://www.herthabsc.com/en/teams/first-team-profiles/kevin-prince-boateng Profile] at the Hertha BSC website
*{{FIFA player}}
*{{UEFA player}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Ghana squads
| bg = #CA1118
| fg = #FBE816
| bordercolor = black
|list1=
{{Ghana squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Ghana squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| list1 = 
{{2010 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2011 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{Fritz Walter Medal Under-18}}
{{Fritz Walter Medal Under-19}}
{{Oscar del Calcio – Serie A Team of the Year 2011}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boateng, Kevin-Prince}}
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Berlin]]
[[Category:German men's footballers]]
[[Category:Germany men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Germany men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Ghanaian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Ghana men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Füchse Berlin Reinickendorf players]]
[[Category:Hertha BSC II players]]
[[Category:Hertha BSC players]]
[[Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players]]
[[Category:Borussia Dortmund players]]
[[Category:Portsmouth F.C. players]]
[[Category:Genoa CFC players]]
[[Category:AC Milan players]]
[[Category:FC Schalke 04 players]]
[[Category:UD Las Palmas players]]
[[Category:Eintracht Frankfurt players]]
[[Category:US Sassuolo Calcio players]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:ACF Fiorentina players]]
[[Category:Beşiktaş J.K. footballers]]
[[Category:AC Monza players]]
[[Category:Regionalliga players]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Serie B players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:German expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Ghanaian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:German expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Ghanaian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Ghanaian expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Ghanaian expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:German sportspeople of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:Ghanaian people of German descent]]
[[Category:21st-century German sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century Ghanaian sportsmen]]